Elliotte Friedman issues a bold statement about Sidney Crosby's future amid rumors of Penguins rebuild

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, in his latest "32 Thoughts" column, made a bold statement regarding Sidney Crosby's future amidst growing speculation about a potential rebuild for the franchise.

After a humiliating 7-1 defeat to the Dallas Stars on Monday, the Penguins have taken steps toward a rebuild by trading veteran forward Lars Eller back to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and a fifth-rounder in the 2025 NHL draft.

This trade marks a notable shift in strategy under GM Kyle Dubas, indicating a move away from immediate competition and toward a more comprehensive rebuilding process for the Penguins.

Friedman addressed the speculation surrounding Sidney Crosby's future with the Penguins amid rumors of a potential rebuild. Friedman suggested that the only scenario in which Crosby might consider leaving would be if he faces a harsh reality about the team's competitiveness that he didn't anticipate.

"If Sidney Crosby wished to go anywhere else, he wouldn’t have extended with the Penguins. The only way I could ever see it changing is if reality hit him harder than he expected. I don't see that right now."

Furthermore, Friedman touches on the status of Evgeni Malkin, saying that he doesn't think the Penguins want to trade him and that Malkin himself likely has no desire to leave the team either.

This reinforces the idea that, despite the Penguins' struggles and the trading of players like Eller, the core group, including Sidney Crosby and Malkin, is expected to remain with the team for now.

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Sidney Crosby takes part in Evgeni Malkin's 500th goal pregame ceremony

Sidney Crosby took part in the honorary celebration of Evgeni Malkin's 500th goal during the pregame ahead of the Penguins' clash with the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday.

Videos on the jumbotron paid tribute to Malkin, who scored his 500th goal against the Buffalo Sabres earlier this season. His teammates Marc-Andre Fleury, Mark Recchi, Ryan Whitney and Patric Hornqvist were a part of the celebration.

Additionally, fellow Russian star Alex Ovechkin also sent Malkin his congratulations:

Malkin was drafted No. 2 overall by the Penguins in the 2004 NHL draft and has been with the same franchise. Malkin has won the Stanley Cup three times with the Penguins, in 2009, 2016 and 2017.

He has accumulated 1,314 points through 503 goals and 811 assists in 1,162 career games.